Setting distributor timing on a 65, 350 HP small block

[Mark H.]

Re: Setting distributor timing on a 65, 350 HP small block

Completely understand. Sorry for all I threw at you.

I did download your pdf file yesterday and will go thru it now. Not sure how to send an email via the TDB since I'm new to NCRS. I'll figure it out then send it over.

Thanks much

[Timothy B.]

Re: Setting distributor timing on a 65, 350 HP small block

Mark,

On the Holley 2818 that vacuum port up high on the front metering block is full manifold vacuum for the vacuum advance so you have it correct.

On later year Holley's that location was used for ported vacuum but not on the 2818. Google the vacuum control last three numbers and you may find the specs.

[Mark H.]

Re: Setting distributor timing on a 65, 350 HP small block

Thanks Tim. I hadn't checked the vacuum at that port. Good to know it's the full manifold vacuum (which I measured at 15" Hg at 750 rpm). I've been reading a lot of articles and thinking that I s/b looking at ported vacuum info, not manifold vacuum. Thanks for clarifying. (You're right - I did see the # 2818 on the carb).

-Mark

[Duke W.]

Re: Setting distributor timing on a 65, 350 HP small block

Completely understand. Sorry for all I threw at you.

I did download your pdf file yesterday and will go thru it now. Not sure how to send an email via the TDB since I'm new to NCRS. I'll figure it out then send it over.

Thanks much

Left click on my name - any post I made, then left click "send email" in the drop down menu.

Duke

[Randy R.]

Re: Setting distributor timing on a 65, 350 HP small block

I had a similar problem on a 67 L79. We went through the possibilities listed. We also considered a worn out harmonic balancer. If the outside ring has moved, the timing would be impossible to read.

We would move the distributor one tooth and the vacuum can would hit the coil. Move it back and it would hit the manifold. The timing was off the tab on the timing cover. Having tried everything we could think of, we replaced the coil and the problems went away.

Randy

[Mark H.]

Re: Setting distributor timing on a 65, 350 HP small block

Thanks Randy. That's an easy thing to check out and I will. Sounds like you had a very similar issue (hitting coil, hitting manifold...). I'd love to know that's all it is! I did a few electrical tests (measured ohms, etc) on the coil that the shop manual mentioned and "all was ok", but I'll just swap it out with a new one and check it out.

Just an FYI in case you ever run into it. Years ago I had another issue with the ignition where I'd be cruising along fine, then it was as if someone pulled the coil wire for a second (motor completely "off"), then it would come back on, etc etc. Not always, it depended where the moon was. Finally a guy pointed me to the radio capacitor next to the coil. I thought how the heck could that be an issue - it was. Turns out it's part of the ignition circuit, not just a radio-noise reducer. $5 fix.


Mark